Founder,

Founder, also called LAMINITIS, consists of inflammation of the vascular sensitive laminae of the horse's foot. It is also met with in cattle, but rarely in sheep, the corresponding structures being in them less developed. Occasionally the laminae are strained from severe exertion; more frequently they suffer from the morbid effects of cold, which is especially injurious after excitement and over-fatigue. Very commonly also they become inflamed from their close sympathy with diseases of the digestive organs, often following engorgement of the stomach or bowels. All the feet are sometimes affected, more usually the fore-feet only. They are hot and tender; the animal stands as much as possible upon his heels; trembles and groans when moved; and is in a state of acute fever and pain. Except when following super-purgation or internal disease, bleeding is useful. The shoes must at once be removed, and the toes, if long, reduced, but no further rasping or cutting is permissible. The feet must be enveloped in hot bran poultices, and kept off the hard ground by a plentiful supply of short litter. Soap and water clysters, repeated if necessary every hour, usually suffice to open the bowels, which are very irritable; and physic, if required, must therefore be used with extreme caution. Two drachms of aloes is an ample dose in founder. Have the strain taken off the inflamed laminae by getting the animal if possible to lie down, or, if he be afraid to do so, let him be 'cast' and kept down. As a rule when once down he will, from the relief to pain, often remain in the recumbent position; he should then be turned twice a day, and his bedding kept dry and clean to prevent chafing of the skin or 'bed-sores.' After the acute symptoms pass, thin heeled shoes, barred or plain, as suit the feet, should be put on; cold applications should be made to the feet, and afterwards a mild blister put round the coronet.